Stewart Lee: his satire is delivered in an almost professorial manner

By Veronica Lee in The Arts Desk Posted on Sunday, November 1st, 2009

It’s a brave comic who declares on stage every night that he would like to see a cute television presenter die in a horrific accident (as nearly happened to Top Gear’s Richard Hammond in 2006). But declares it Stewart Lee does and, for good measure, he also disses a fellow comedian while he’s at it.

Lee’s style is almost professorial; he lays out his material slowly, deliberately in a low, even voice and fashions a joke that may not get its payoff until several minutes later. He even deconstructs his material at times or condescendingly berates the audience for not getting the point quickly enough. He builds jokes layer by layer, often using repetition of words and phrases seemingly to the point of banality, but actually to great dramatic effect.

The comic made his name in the 1990s as one half of Lee and Herring, whose intelligent, surreal comedy in Fist of Fun and Lee and Herring (Radio 1 and BBC2) defined a generation of student humour. In 2003 Lee co-wrote the quite brilliant Jerry Springer: The Opera, which came under sustained attack from the religious right, and in 2004 he returned to stand-up with a solo show. If Lee’s on-screen persona with Herring had been Mr Grumpy, he now had cause to be Mr Angry too, and the fallout from the JSTO brouhaha fuelled sensationally good, often highly controversial satire.

Lee’s stand-up career has been an unmitigated triumph and each new show pushes the boundaries of both taste and comic invention a little bit further. His latest, entitled If You Prefer a Milder Comedian, Please Ask for One, is no exception in both departments, and it also contains a real surprise in its delivery. But more of that later.

The inspiration for the show is a remark recently made by Scottish comic Frankie Boyle (the shouty one just departed from BBC2’s Mock the Week); there are no funny comedians over the age of 40, he said. Lee, 41, begs to differ and subverts the ridiculous ageism in that remark by railing about that most middle-aged obsession, his loyalty card at a high-street coffee chain, which was refused by an officious barista. In a inspired segment that lasts fully 15 minutes, Lee manages to skewer petty rules, corporate greed, middle-class smugness and the futile anger of a man trying to flounce out of said coffee shop but who has to negotiate a narrow doorway with his toddler in a pushchair.

Like much of this show, the riff is expertly crafted and delivered. But while Lee is preaching to the converted about The Man, it’s when he spins an elaborate story about Richard Hammond – sidekick of Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear (who also gets a kicking) – that he flirts with danger. Many of the more outrageous comments- “I want to see Hammond decapitated and his head on a stick” – are followed with “It’s just a joke!” a la Clarkson when he is making one of his trademark hilarious comments about gays or greens. It’s a neat trick but one so layered in ironies that the risk is that not all the audience appreciate just where the joke lies.

And then the surprise, when Lee tells us he wants to break the last taboo of comedy. I won’t spoil the joke, but suffice to say it has another elaborate set-up, tugs at the heartstrings and then delivers a very funny sucker punch. He is on sensationally good form.

Stewart Lee is at the Palace Theatre in Southend tonight and then touring until 27 February 2010.

"Stewart Lee has created his own very profitable narrative that Stewart Lee = cool and Anything Else = shit."

John Robins, Comedian

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:07:43+00:00

John Robins, Comedian

"Stewart Lee has created his own very profitable narrative that Stewart Lee = cool and Anything Else = shit."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/john-robins-comedian/

"I was Stage Manager for Stewart Lee. It wasn't performance art, stand up comedy or satire. It was a fucking train-wreck. That man could not read an audience 3 feet away.﻿ And yes, I got to know his act well during the rehearsals and Tech rehearsal. I also got to know the fact that the man is a functioning alcoholic, finishing nearly 12 cans to himself before going onstage, and that he is banned from the entire chain of theatres I used to work at for being rude, dismissive of staff and responding terribly to bad audience feedback. I don't hate this man in the slightest, I pity him. Where he tries to wear the "never hitting mainstream" as a cloak (Even naming a tour after it) the cracks appear when you're one on one with him. He is angry, and I don't think he know who he's angry at.﻿"

Funday’schild, youtube.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:35:41+00:00

Funday’schild, youtube.

"I was Stage Manager for Stewart Lee. It wasn't performance art, stand up comedy or satire. It was a fucking train-wreck. That man could not read an audience 3 feet away.﻿ And yes, I got to know his act well during the rehearsals and Tech rehearsal. I also got to know the fact that the man is a functioning alcoholic, finishing nearly 12 cans to himself before going onstage, and that he is banned from the entire chain of theatres I used to work at for being rude, dismissive of staff and responding terribly to bad audience feedback. I don't hate this man in the slightest, I pity him. Where he tries to wear the "never hitting mainstream" as a cloak (Even naming a tour after it) the cracks appear when you're one on one with him. He is angry, and I don't think he know who he's angry at.﻿"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fundayschild-youtube/

"Only a Sun reader could mistake this dross for intelligent comedy. Probably laughs at farting noises too. Here's to hoping this particular vehicle runs off the road. Under a train."

NevW47479, UKTV.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:32:03+00:00

NevW47479, UKTV.co.uk

"Only a Sun reader could mistake this dross for intelligent comedy. Probably laughs at farting noises too. Here's to hoping this particular vehicle runs off the road. Under a train."

"If I could bring one extinct thing back to life it would be Stewart Lee’s sense of humour."

Frankie Boyle, Comedian

Stewart Lee

2019-04-08T20:39:03+01:00

Frankie Boyle, Comedian

"If I could bring one extinct thing back to life it would be Stewart Lee’s sense of humour."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/frankie-boyle/

"Lee is not just unfunny but tiresome, his non-joke act isn't even original! He just rips off Ted Chippington. Ooooh look at me! I'm Stewart Lee! I'm deconstructing the form!! Come back Richard Herring!! Please!"

General Lurko 36, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:24+00:00

General Lurko 36, Guardian.co.uk

"Lee is not just unfunny but tiresome, his non-joke act isn't even original! He just rips off Ted Chippington. Ooooh look at me! I'm Stewart Lee! I'm deconstructing the form!! Come back Richard Herring!! Please!"

"Stewart Lee used to one of my favorite funnymen, but I think he's lost it now. I just don't find him funny anymore. He hasn't made me laugh since 1999. I always preferred Richard Herring anyway."

Joskins, Leeds Music Forum

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:48:48+00:00

Joskins, Leeds Music Forum

"Stewart Lee used to one of my favorite funnymen, but I think he's lost it now. I just don't find him funny anymore. He hasn't made me laugh since 1999. I always preferred Richard Herring anyway."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/joskins-leeds-music-forum/

"All this man seems to be able to do is dance about going "ah ha ha ha ha ha!' So incredibly unfunny."

Emilyistrendy, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:35:14+00:00

Emilyistrendy, Youtube

"All this man seems to be able to do is dance about going "ah ha ha ha ha ha!' So incredibly unfunny."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/emilyistrendy-youtube/

"Stewart Lee is like that uni lecturer who thinks he's unbelievably cool but is really the tit the students all laugh at."

Lenny Darksphere, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:32:59+00:00

Lenny Darksphere, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is like that uni lecturer who thinks he's unbelievably cool but is really the tit the students all laugh at."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/lenny-darksphere-twitter/

"I want to run Stewart Lee over in his own comedy vehicle."

Robert Gavin, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:19:46+00:00

Robert Gavin, Twitter

"I want to run Stewart Lee over in his own comedy vehicle."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/robert-gavin-twitter/

"I hate that Stewart Lee fella, totally unfunny and as much charisma as Pol Pot!!"

Fowkes81, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:24:45+00:00

Fowkes81, Twitter

"I hate that Stewart Lee fella, totally unfunny and as much charisma as Pol Pot!!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fowkes81-twitter/

"Great, the next big thing has materialised. Surprisingly for the Guardian, they are recommending a man who hates the Top Gear presenters and co wrote a hit show that offended Christians. This is like being 15 and reading the NME."

Nicetime, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:33+00:00

Nicetime, Guardian.co.uk

"Great, the next big thing has materialised. Surprisingly for the Guardian, they are recommending a man who hates the Top Gear presenters and co wrote a hit show that offended Christians. This is like being 15 and reading the NME."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/nicetime-guardian-co-uk/

"The Krankies are funnier than this waste of air. So unfunny it's laughable."

Visualiser1, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:23:33+00:00

Visualiser1, Twitter

"The Krankies are funnier than this waste of air. So unfunny it's laughable."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/visualiser1-twitter/

"Stewart lee just says something. Explains why you should laugh. Then accuses you of not having a sense of humour. The cunt."

World Without End, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:43:04+00:00

World Without End, Twitter

"Stewart lee just says something. Explains why you should laugh. Then accuses you of not having a sense of humour. The cunt."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/world-without-end-twitter/

"Prime example of a well educated looooooser."

Rudeness, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:11:34+00:00

Rudeness, Youtube

"Prime example of a well educated looooooser."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/rudeness-youtube/

"Just seen a very haggard looking Stewart Lee near Carnaby St. He was carrying laundry."

98rosjon, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:54+00:00

98rosjon, Twitter

"Just seen a very haggard looking Stewart Lee near Carnaby St. He was carrying laundry."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/98rosjon-twitter/

"After careful deliberation, I can now say I have finally gone off Stewart Lee. Give it two years and so will you."

Tweeterkiryakou, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:21+00:00

Tweeterkiryakou, Twitter

"After careful deliberation, I can now say I have finally gone off Stewart Lee. Give it two years and so will you."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/tweeterkiryakou-twitter/

"I fell asleep during Stewart Lee. I don't get him really."

Tres Ryan, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:34:19+00:00

Tres Ryan, Twitter

"I fell asleep during Stewart Lee. I don't get him really."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/tres-ryan-twitter/

"I used to think stewart lee was quite good, then i spoke to him at edinburgh festival. Arse doesn't cover it. Ah well."

Bobby Bhoy, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:17:55+00:00

Bobby Bhoy, Twitter

"I used to think stewart lee was quite good, then i spoke to him at edinburgh festival. Arse doesn't cover it. Ah well."

"Liberals like this guy would just love to live in totalitarian state where only their views could be expressed and opposition views crushed. They are childish hypocrites. They should stop reading the guardian and get in the real world."

12dgdgdgdgdgdg, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:22:20+00:00

12dgdgdgdgdgdg, Youtube

"Liberals like this guy would just love to live in totalitarian state where only their views could be expressed and opposition views crushed. They are childish hypocrites. They should stop reading the guardian and get in the real world."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/12dgdgdgdgdgdg-youtube/

"I have more light and shade and humanity than Stewart Lee."

Richard Herring, Comedian

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:18:05+00:00

Richard Herring, Comedian

"I have more light and shade and humanity than Stewart Lee."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/richard-herring-comedian/

"Without warning I was drawn from watching the ?excelllent Jeremy Paxman to a loathsome comedian gratuitously using the "c" word. I found this extremely unacceptable, as did my recently widowed mother."

Anon, BBC Complaints Log

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:35:16+00:00

Anon, BBC Complaints Log

"Without warning I was drawn from watching the ?excelllent Jeremy Paxman to a loathsome comedian gratuitously using the "c" word. I found this extremely unacceptable, as did my recently widowed mother."

"I hate Stewart Lee he is a prick. Clarkson's views are all spot on. Top gear is class and laughing at gipos and the Mexicans is hilarious."

Sam Rooney, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:48:37+00:00

Sam Rooney, Youtube

"I hate Stewart Lee he is a prick. Clarkson's views are all spot on. Top gear is class and laughing at gipos and the Mexicans is hilarious."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/sam-rooney-youtube/

"Stewart Lee - is he not just another mouthpiece for Politically Correct liberal "fascism" ?"

Len Firewood, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:58+00:00

Len Firewood, Twitter

"Stewart Lee - is he not just another mouthpiece for Politically Correct liberal "fascism" ?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/len-firewood-twitter/

"I tried to watch Stewart Lee but had to stop due to him being shit. He addressed an insular cadre of socially challenged, prematurely middle-aged, pseudo-intellectual men, I thought."

Z-factor, Twitter.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:07:26+00:00

Z-factor, Twitter.

"I tried to watch Stewart Lee but had to stop due to him being shit. He addressed an insular cadre of socially challenged, prematurely middle-aged, pseudo-intellectual men, I thought."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/z-factor-twitter/

"I'd never punch Stewart Lee in the face. His smugness would wrap itself round my fist and slowly consume it, infecting me in the process. Stewart Lee once told a joke that I found desperately unfunny. Then he done a poo on stage. Stewart Lee once used my cheesegrater to remove smegma from his Willy. Then he made me cheese-on-toast without cleaning it."

Pudabaya, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:11+00:00

Pudabaya, Twitter

"I'd never punch Stewart Lee in the face. His smugness would wrap itself round my fist and slowly consume it, infecting me in the process. Stewart Lee once told a joke that I found desperately unfunny. Then he done a poo on stage. Stewart Lee once used my cheesegrater to remove smegma from his Willy. Then he made me cheese-on-toast without cleaning it."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/pudabaya-twitter/

"He talks only about commonplace things, with a really slow pace. He made me smile. That's it! A disappointment."

Etienne, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:39:17+01:00

Etienne, Chortle.com

"He talks only about commonplace things, with a really slow pace. He made me smile. That's it! A disappointment."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/etienne-chortle-com/

"Christ what a monotoned smug nobhead, don't you people get tired of his student aimed so called humour, god he's crap."

Anamatronix, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:27:39+00:00

Anamatronix, Youtube

"Christ what a monotoned smug nobhead, don't you people get tired of his student aimed so called humour, god he's crap."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/anamatronix-youtube/

"Stewart Lee has lost his glasses somewhere in stoke newington. Have you seen them? Please ReTweet."

Stokeylitfest, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:40+00:00

Stokeylitfest, Twitter

"Stewart Lee has lost his glasses somewhere in stoke newington. Have you seen them? Please ReTweet."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/stokeylitfest-twitter/

"Stewart Lee spends so much effort wittering about comedy, why doesn't he ever do any of it?"

Joe, Independent.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:41:49+01:00

Joe, Independent.co.uk

"Stewart Lee spends so much effort wittering about comedy, why doesn't he ever do any of it?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/joe-independent-co-uk/

"Lee was a good comic. Unfortunately now he comes across as a chaotic drunk."

Foxfoxton, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:17:01+00:00

Foxfoxton, Youtube

"Lee was a good comic. Unfortunately now he comes across as a chaotic drunk."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/foxfoxton-youtube/

"This has to be the most unfunny stand up I've ever seen. I've not laughed, smirked or grinned once at Lee's quips. What an absolute waste of time. 0/10."

Alwyn, Digiguide.tv

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:05:28+00:00

Alwyn, Digiguide.tv

"This has to be the most unfunny stand up I've ever seen. I've not laughed, smirked or grinned once at Lee's quips. What an absolute waste of time. 0/10."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/alwyn-digiguide-tv/

"I saw him at a gig once, and even offstage he was exuding an aura of creepy molesty smugness."

Yukio Mishima, dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:17:22+00:00

Yukio Mishima, dontstartmeoff.com

"I saw him at a gig once, and even offstage he was exuding an aura of creepy molesty smugness."

"Genuinely can't stand him, he comes across as the sort that thinks that live comedy should just be kept to smoky art student union clubs and that any comedian that plays in arenas is destroying the so called "artistic integrity" of stand up when we all know stand-up comedy is not an art form it's a form of live entertainment. P.S. Just because your TV show is terrible doesn't mean you have to rip into Russell Howard and 'that Roadshow''."

Someoneyoudon'tknow, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:08+00:00

Someoneyoudon'tknow, Chortle.com

"Genuinely can't stand him, he comes across as the sort that thinks that live comedy should just be kept to smoky art student union clubs and that any comedian that plays in arenas is destroying the so called "artistic integrity" of stand up when we all know stand-up comedy is not an art form it's a form of live entertainment. P.S. Just because your TV show is terrible doesn't mean you have to rip into Russell Howard and 'that Roadshow''."

"Stewart Lee is not funny. He comes from the smug - if you don't laugh at my material then you aren't smart enough - school of comedy. No Stewart, if we don't laugh at your material then it's just not good enough."

Patrick Kavanagh, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:42:09+01:00

Patrick Kavanagh, Guardian.co.uk

"Stewart Lee is not funny. He comes from the smug - if you don't laugh at my material then you aren't smart enough - school of comedy. No Stewart, if we don't laugh at your material then it's just not good enough."

"Is there anyone more condescending, self-satisfied and up their own arse than Stewart Lee?"

Liam Travitt, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:42:24+00:00

Liam Travitt, Twitter

"Is there anyone more condescending, self-satisfied and up their own arse than Stewart Lee?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/liam-travitt-twitter/

"Big surprise, guardianistas love comic who went to a posh school and oxbridge. Dave Chappelle's could show him how it's done."

Neolab, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:41:07+01:00

Neolab, Guardian.co.uk

"Big surprise, guardianistas love comic who went to a posh school and oxbridge. Dave Chappelle's could show him how it's done."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/neolab-guardian-co-uk/

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started. Or push it down hill. Stewart Lee should have 'cunt' stamped onto his forehead with a branding iron."'

Coxy, Dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:40:30+00:00

Coxy, Dontstartmeoff.com

"If this is supposed to be a "Comedy Vehicle," someone had better call the RAC to get it started. Or push it down hill. Stewart Lee should have 'cunt' stamped onto his forehead with a branding iron."'

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/coxy-dontstartmeoff-com/

"Russell Brand plays stadiums, Stewart Lee has a tin pot show on BBC that no-one watches."

Borathigh5, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:33:53+00:00

Borathigh5, Youtube

"Russell Brand plays stadiums, Stewart Lee has a tin pot show on BBC that no-one watches."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/borathigh5-youtube/

"I continue to watch out of amazement at how unfunny this man is... he has made me snigger but once when talking about getting your willy stuck in a zipper. Anyone could get a laugh with that! It amazes me how he likes to repeat the same thing several times, likes to repeat things several times, repeat things several times, several times, times."

Stuart, Chortle

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:28:14+00:00

Stuart, Chortle

"I continue to watch out of amazement at how unfunny this man is... he has made me snigger but once when talking about getting your willy stuck in a zipper. Anyone could get a laugh with that! It amazes me how he likes to repeat the same thing several times, likes to repeat things several times, repeat things several times, several times, times."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/stuart-chortle/

"Smug elitist liberalism. Who is this cunt?"

Tokyofist, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:06:12+00:00

Tokyofist, Youtube

"Smug elitist liberalism. Who is this cunt?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/tokyofist-youtube/

"WHAT THE HELL! If i ever find you, lee, i promise i will, I WILL, kick the crap out of you."

Carcrazychica, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:23:01+00:00

Carcrazychica, Youtube

"WHAT THE HELL! If i ever find you, lee, i promise i will, I WILL, kick the crap out of you."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/carcrazychica-youtube/

"An abysmal 'comedian'. He's unable to pick up Brownie points for being funny and so instead flaunts his politically correct views to try to get audiences' and critics' sympathy. While this works to keep him a cult following of der brains who enjoy playing the game of 'I'm holier than thou', it's the reason while he'll never be mainstream (you have to be funny to do that) and why critics who like him always have to apologise for his contributions to high profile charity gigs in venues when the punters don't laugh. Garbage."

Chez, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:35:41+00:00

Chez, Chortle.com

"An abysmal 'comedian'. He's unable to pick up Brownie points for being funny and so instead flaunts his politically correct views to try to get audiences' and critics' sympathy. While this works to keep him a cult following of der brains who enjoy playing the game of 'I'm holier than thou', it's the reason while he'll never be mainstream (you have to be funny to do that) and why critics who like him always have to apologise for his contributions to high profile charity gigs in venues when the punters don't laugh. Garbage."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/chez-chortle-com/

"Stuart 'man of the people' Lee is nothing but a fringe alternative comedy act who wouldn't stand a chance at a real comedy club like Jongleurs."

Karen Laidlaw, Edfringe. com.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:31:58+00:00

Karen Laidlaw, Edfringe. com.

"Stuart 'man of the people' Lee is nothing but a fringe alternative comedy act who wouldn't stand a chance at a real comedy club like Jongleurs."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/karen-laidlaw-edfringe-com/

"Stewart Lee : 20 years of 'sneer = career'."

Clampdown59, Twitter.

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:39:53+00:00

Clampdown59, Twitter.

"Stewart Lee : 20 years of 'sneer = career'."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/clampdown59-twitter/

"Stewart Lee is a twat. That is all."

Fairy Pingu, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:23:16+00:00

Fairy Pingu, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is a twat. That is all."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/fairy-pingu-twitter/

"Smug bastard."

Peter Fears, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:34:06+00:00

Peter Fears, Twitter

"Smug bastard."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/peter-fears-twitter/

"Amongst the least talented comedians ever invented."

Pirate Crocodile, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:34:37+00:00

Pirate Crocodile, Twitter

"Amongst the least talented comedians ever invented."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/pirate-crocodile-twitter/

"Watching Stewart Lee in action these days is like standing on the edge of a frozen lake and seeing a man half-submerged in the perishing ice. You throw him a rope - but he hurls it back. You didn't throw it correctly, he advises. And anyway, he was fine as he was, until you ruined it all. Didn't you know that sub-zero was his natural habitat?"

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:40:41+00:00

Dominic Cavendish, Daily Telegraph

"Watching Stewart Lee in action these days is like standing on the edge of a frozen lake and seeing a man half-submerged in the perishing ice. You throw him a rope - but he hurls it back. You didn't throw it correctly, he advises. And anyway, he was fine as he was, until you ruined it all. Didn't you know that sub-zero was his natural habitat?"

"I had to walk out of Stewart Lee's gig tonight when my wife started projectile vomiting!"

Cyberbloke, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:36:16+00:00

Cyberbloke, Twitter

"I had to walk out of Stewart Lee's gig tonight when my wife started projectile vomiting!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/cyberbloke-twitter/

"Stewart Lee's comedy is designed to be 'appreciated' but not actually 'laughed' at or 'enjoyed'. Here's a fun game you can play while watching Stewart Lee: With a pen and paper, jot down how often you actually laugh. You may be surpsied!"

Dick Socrates, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:26:54+00:00

Dick Socrates, Twitter

"Stewart Lee's comedy is designed to be 'appreciated' but not actually 'laughed' at or 'enjoyed'. Here's a fun game you can play while watching Stewart Lee: With a pen and paper, jot down how often you actually laugh. You may be surpsied!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/dick-socrates-twitter/

"Stewart lee is a shit comedian doing a shit impression of a shit comedian. If he was burned alive it could raise serious cash."

Mrdavisn01, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:32:48+00:00

Mrdavisn01, Twitter

"Stewart lee is a shit comedian doing a shit impression of a shit comedian. If he was burned alive it could raise serious cash."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/mrdavisn01-twitter/

"I spent the entire time thinking of how much I want to punch Stewart Lee in the face instead of laughing. He does have an incredibly punchable face, doesn't he? (I could just close my eyes, but fantasizing about punching Stewart Lee is still more fun than sitting in complete, stony silence.) Fucking smug-faced cunt."

Pudabaya, beexcellenttoeachother.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:51+00:00

Pudabaya, beexcellenttoeachother.com

"I spent the entire time thinking of how much I want to punch Stewart Lee in the face instead of laughing. He does have an incredibly punchable face, doesn't he? (I could just close my eyes, but fantasizing about punching Stewart Lee is still more fun than sitting in complete, stony silence.) Fucking smug-faced cunt."

"He's another of those smug incompetents who are said by the 'in-crowd' to be cool. He appears to have serious life issues and he seems to think that foisting his emotional turmoil onto audiences is somehow 'art'. Bollocks."

Dahoum, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:43:21+00:00

Dahoum, Guardian.co.uk

"He's another of those smug incompetents who are said by the 'in-crowd' to be cool. He appears to have serious life issues and he seems to think that foisting his emotional turmoil onto audiences is somehow 'art'. Bollocks."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/dahoum-guardian-co-uk/

"Quite possibly the most boring stand-up I've ever heard. I fail to see what on earth is funny about him rambling on....and on...and on..."

Kozzy06, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:06:40+00:00

Kozzy06, Youtube

"Quite possibly the most boring stand-up I've ever heard. I fail to see what on earth is funny about him rambling on....and on...and on..."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/kozzy06-youtube/

"I hate comedy that presumes to 'defend' minorities like me. Sod off, you don't know what offends me, so you can't protect me from it. But most of the things you think offend me don't."

Sweeping Curves, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:48:26+00:00

Sweeping Curves, Twitter

"I hate comedy that presumes to 'defend' minorities like me. Sod off, you don't know what offends me, so you can't protect me from it. But most of the things you think offend me don't."

"He's a c*nt, people lap it up like they do Charlie Brooker yet both are prejudiced middle class tosspots. Brooker is a weetabix haired trendy tosspiece trying to cling on to anything remotely cool these days and Stewart Lee is a hypocrite."

Lents, redandwhitekop.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:53:19+00:00

Lents, redandwhitekop.com

"He's a c*nt, people lap it up like they do Charlie Brooker yet both are prejudiced middle class tosspots. Brooker is a weetabix haired trendy tosspiece trying to cling on to anything remotely cool these days and Stewart Lee is a hypocrite."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/lents-redandwhitekop-com/

"Lee is supposed to be a ground-breaking comedian and writer, but I found little entertainment value in his material.? It was not funny. It was a sad and deliberate attempt to see how far he could go. This was ultimate sick humour, and if anyone thought it funny, they must be sick as well."

Brighton Argus

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:41:14+00:00

Brighton Argus

"Lee is supposed to be a ground-breaking comedian and writer, but I found little entertainment value in his material.? It was not funny. It was a sad and deliberate attempt to see how far he could go. This was ultimate sick humour, and if anyone thought it funny, they must be sick as well."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/brighton-argus/

"Lee seems to think he's more clever than he really is. His material is delivered in a "If you don't find this funny, you can't be very intelligent" manner, which is an attitude perpetuated by the pseudo-intellectual Guardian reading arsebiscuits who like him."

Johnny Kitkat, dontstartmeoff.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:36:45+00:00

Johnny Kitkat, dontstartmeoff.com

"Lee seems to think he's more clever than he really is. His material is delivered in a "If you don't find this funny, you can't be very intelligent" manner, which is an attitude perpetuated by the pseudo-intellectual Guardian reading arsebiscuits who like him."

"Why does anyone sully the name of comedians by so very incorrectly applying the term to Stewart Lee."

Microcuts 22, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:25:19+00:00

Microcuts 22, Twitter

"Why does anyone sully the name of comedians by so very incorrectly applying the term to Stewart Lee."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/microcuts-22-twitter/

"I hope stewart lee dies."

Idrie, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:12:07+00:00

Idrie, Youtube

"I hope stewart lee dies."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/idrie-youtube/

"Stewart Lee- every pseudo-intellectual's favourite comedian! "If you don't find him funny it's because you can't comprehend his comedic style" or "You're just not clever enough" are usually responses to people who consider him unfunny..."

Cabluigi, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:51:44+00:00

Cabluigi, Guardian.co.uk

"Stewart Lee- every pseudo-intellectual's favourite comedian! "If you don't find him funny it's because you can't comprehend his comedic style" or "You're just not clever enough" are usually responses to people who consider him unfunny..."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/cabluigi-guardian-co-uk/

"I think describing himself as a comedian is the only funny thing the man has ever said. Don't bother telling me that I don't get it; I don't want it. It's only possible to like right-on, lefty comedians like Stuart Lee if you're a right-on lefty yourself. Like all right-on lefties he feigns contempt of intolerance and ridicules people for the predictably, allegedly right wing intolerances ascribed to stereotypically right wing people. To me, morally or comedically this is no better than Bernard Manning or Jim Davidson both of whom were genuinely funny even if you now think their jokes were racist but neither of them were genuinely bigoted, IMHO of course, like Stewart Lee and his fans. In attempting to send up intolerance by being blatantly intolerant and bigoted, Lee falls flat on his face making any genuinely tolerant, left-of-centre, liberals so horrified that they simply could not laugh. In short, if you're a bigoted, socialist worker, civil servant, teacher, social worker or NHS employee then Stuart Lee is the comedian for you. If you actually care about tolerance for all, even those who have different political opinons from you, he's about as funny as the credit crunch."

Genghis McKahn, Guardian.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:39:30+00:00

Genghis McKahn, Guardian.co.uk

"I think describing himself as a comedian is the only funny thing the man has ever said. Don't bother telling me that I don't get it; I don't want it. It's only possible to like right-on, lefty comedians like Stuart Lee if you're a right-on lefty yourself. Like all right-on lefties he feigns contempt of intolerance and ridicules people for the predictably, allegedly right wing intolerances ascribed to stereotypically right wing people. To me, morally or comedically this is no better than Bernard Manning or Jim Davidson both of whom were genuinely funny even if you now think their jokes were racist but neither of them were genuinely bigoted, IMHO of course, like Stewart Lee and his fans. In attempting to send up intolerance by being blatantly intolerant and bigoted, Lee falls flat on his face making any genuinely tolerant, left-of-centre, liberals so horrified that they simply could not laugh. In short, if you're a bigoted, socialist worker, civil servant, teacher, social worker or NHS employee then Stuart Lee is the comedian for you. If you actually care about tolerance for all, even those who have different political opinons from you, he's about as funny as the credit crunch."

"Intellectual pretensions aside for a moment Stewart Lee is a bit of a knob sometimes., isn't he?"

Contrapuntal, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:52:03+00:00

Contrapuntal, Twitter

"Intellectual pretensions aside for a moment Stewart Lee is a bit of a knob sometimes., isn't he?"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/contrapuntal-twitter/

"Stewart Lee is an embarrassment to comedy."

Jackmumf, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:32:39+00:00

Jackmumf, Twitter

"Stewart Lee is an embarrassment to comedy."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/jackmumf-twitter/

"The dullness of his jokes is only matched by his bitterness towards other comedians and half the world around him. He seems to spend hours on stage pretending that he 'gets something' nobody else has. I just wish he'd get a sense of humour. Tripe."

Gabrielle, Chortle.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:36:30+00:00

Gabrielle, Chortle.com

"The dullness of his jokes is only matched by his bitterness towards other comedians and half the world around him. He seems to spend hours on stage pretending that he 'gets something' nobody else has. I just wish he'd get a sense of humour. Tripe."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/gabrielle-chortle-com/

"Sorry, Something has gone wrong (Error 500). Unfortunately this part of iPlayer has temporarily stopped working. This will be because there has been an unforeseen technical error."

BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T18:49:25+00:00

BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read

"Sorry, Something has gone wrong (Error 500). Unfortunately this part of iPlayer has temporarily stopped working. This will be because there has been an unforeseen technical error."

"He stank. I've never seen a moronic idiot trying to tell jokes in my life. What a fuck. The man could barely stand up never mind tell a decent story. Everyone was laughing at him, and I hated his guts."

Alex Quarmby, Edfringe.com

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:37:24+00:00

Alex Quarmby, Edfringe.com

"He stank. I've never seen a moronic idiot trying to tell jokes in my life. What a fuck. The man could barely stand up never mind tell a decent story. Everyone was laughing at him, and I hated his guts."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/alex-quarmby-edfringe-com/

"Alleged comedian Stewart Lee is cheap and mean spirited."

Iain, eatenbymissionaries

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:24:03+00:00

Iain, eatenbymissionaries

"Alleged comedian Stewart Lee is cheap and mean spirited."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/iain-eatenbymissionaries/

"Hands up if you think that Stewart Lee is the worst 'comedian' ever. My hand is firmly in the air!"

Leach Juice, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-04-24T17:38:27+01:00

Leach Juice, Twitter

"Hands up if you think that Stewart Lee is the worst 'comedian' ever. My hand is firmly in the air!"

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/leach-juice-twitter/

"I must protest most feverently at the prospect of further wanton waste of the licence fee on this pile of wank."

Aaron, comedy.co.uk

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:04:56+00:00

Aaron, comedy.co.uk

"I must protest most feverently at the prospect of further wanton waste of the licence fee on this pile of wank."

"I really cannot *bear* the bumptious prick that is Stewart Lee. And anyone who sees Stewart Lee for the pompous self important tit that he is, is a friend of mine. The greatest trick Stewart Lee ever pulled was convincing the world he's funny and not just a ridiculously supercilious prat who just repeats himself. Stewart Lee you are a prize cock. At least get your facts straight before you launch into your pious Guardian wank fodder."

Lucinda Locketts, Twitter

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:33:32+00:00

Lucinda Locketts, Twitter

"I really cannot *bear* the bumptious prick that is Stewart Lee. And anyone who sees Stewart Lee for the pompous self important tit that he is, is a friend of mine. The greatest trick Stewart Lee ever pulled was convincing the world he's funny and not just a ridiculously supercilious prat who just repeats himself. Stewart Lee you are a prize cock. At least get your facts straight before you launch into your pious Guardian wank fodder."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/lucinda-locketts-twitter/

"A fraud and a total unfunny tit."

Bosco239, youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T17:39:13+00:00

Bosco239, youtube

"A fraud and a total unfunny tit."

https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/testimonials/bosco239-youtube/

"Stewart Lee is a pompous, condescending bore, and he isn't remotely funny. He claims to have read the entire works of William Blake - he obviously completely missed one of the great themes of Blake: a love and respect for all humanity. If smugness could be harnessed as a form of energy this man could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."

Danazawa, Youtube

Stewart Lee

2019-02-01T20:22:43+00:00

Danazawa, Youtube

"Stewart Lee is a pompous, condescending bore, and he isn't remotely funny. He claims to have read the entire works of William Blake - he obviously completely missed one of the great themes of Blake: a love and respect for all humanity. If smugness could be harnessed as a form of energy this man could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels."